10/04/15 Henry County, MO – Man Steals Henry County Sheriff’s Patrol Car – Turns Patrol Car Around – Tries To Kill Deputy And Trooper – Suspect Shot – Suspect Hit And Injured Deputy And Trooper – Airlifted With Gunshot Wounds

October 4, 2015

kmbc.com

A 22-year-old Calhoun man was taken into custody after he allegedly stole a Henry County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle and injured a deputy Friday morning.

The incident happened shortly after 9:30 a.m. when police were called to a report of a suspicious person, who they believed to be Donald Lee Higginbotham III, in the area of N.E. 973 and N.E. 1001 roads.

While the officers were searching the area, Higginbotham was able to gain entry into the deputy’s patrol vehicle and then drove toward the deputy and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper, nearly hitting them.

Higginbotham then turned the car around in an open area and drove back toward the deputy and trooper in an attempt to strike them again with the vehicle.

Officers fired shots at Higginbotham. The deputy was then struck by Higginbotham with the vehicle.

Higginbotham was airlifted from the scene and taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

The deputy was taken to Golden Valley Hospital for an injury to his leg and hip. The deputy was released from the hospital.

The trooper suffered some abrasions during the incidents and was treated at the scene.

Police had been looking for Higginbotham in reference to recent vehicle thefts in the area.

The first report involved the theft of a tractor from the city of Calhoun shortly after 7 p.m. Thursday when the suspect, identified by several witnesses as Higginbotham, reportedly drove the tractor through several yards and fences, causing some property damage.

The second alleged theft came from a residence in the 800 block of N.E. 803 Road when a homeowner reported that a 2003 Jeep had been stolen from the residence. The vehicle was later found wrecked in a field near N.E. 1001 Road.

Higginbotham was also wanted on two Henry County felony warrants for stealing (two counts) and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Higginbotham is being held on the two warrants in lieu of a $75,000 cash-only bond.

The investigation is being handled by the MSHP’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.